General Business Licenses. In
Oregon, your new business must obtain a general business license from
each city or county for unincorporated areas where you operate your
business. You may want to contact your local city or county
administrative offices or check their websites for licensing information
and forms. On
a state level, Oregon does not require a general business license.
However, certain types of business entities, such as limited liability
companies, partnerships, and corporations, must register with the Secretary of State's, Corporation Division using its Central Business Directory. By answering a few questions about your business and planned locations, the state's online survey tool, Business Wizard,
can help your new business to navigate Oregon's licensing, permitting,
and other governmental requirements by generating a list of agency
referrals and forms customized for your business or nonprofit
development needs.

Specialized Licensing for Regulated Occupations and Industries. Aside
from a general business license, specific occupations and industries
are required to obtain specialized licenses, certifications, and
permits. The state has developed an official Oregon License Directory
to provide information and links to forms on relevant state licenses as
well as participating city and county licensing authorities. This comprehensive
directory contains a searchable database of over 1,100 specialized
licenses, permits, and certifications. Using the directory, you can
determine your licensing eligibility, how to register for your license,
what licensing agency to contact, as well as find online application and
renewal licensing forms. A list of links to some of the most common or
popular specialized licenses are found on the home page of the Oregon License Directory for faster assistance. The public can also use the directory to look up the licensing status of existing businesses.

Assumed Business Name Registration. In some instances, you may need to file an Assumed Business Name
or “doing business as” registration. If you as an individual or other
business entity decide to conduct business using a name other than your “real and true” name, then you must apply for an Assumed Business Name. For example, a sole proprietor's real and true name is that individual's first, middle, and last name.
If you operate your business under another name, then you must file for
an Assumed Business Name. Conveniently, this filing with the Secretary of State's, Corporation Division can be accomplished online through its Central Business Directory. Businesses can renew these registrations at the state's Business Registry Web Renewal portal.